Alfred John “A. J.” Capelli M.D., age 68, of Kenosha, wants everyone to know he “went kicking and screaming into the yonder,” on Sunday, December 31, 2017, at Froedtert South-Kenosha Hospital Campus.

Born in Kenosha on September 3, 1949, he was the son of the late Alfred J. and Josephine (Ventura) Capelli.

On September 3, 1977, John married Julie Brummel at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Dr. A. J. Capelli established his primary care practice with his wife, Julie, 36 years ago and remained in his hometown, caring for those he loved the most; his family, friends and the people of Kenosha. His practice grew to be one of the largest in Kenosha, attracting other physicians and specialists to serve Kenosha’s population.

A proven leader and visionary, he expanded his original “mom and pop” practice until it become one of 168 sites within the Aurora Health Care network. Under his leadership, Dr. Capelli along with many other physicians, built Aurora’s first outpatient clinics in Kenosha, followed by a surgery center, and then, in 1998, the opening of Aurora’s Kenosha hospital.  Throughout his years with Aurora, he held numerous leadership roles, not only as part as part of the medical staff, but also as its medical director, and as a Board Member of the Aurora Medical Group, representing more than 1,600 physicians.  He was routinely involved in improving patient care, embracing improved information technology, patient safety, along with pioneering palliative and hospice care.

Dr. Capelli received a B.S. degree in biology/chemistry from Marquette University, and his M.D. degrees from the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Ever the scholar, at the age of fifty, he returned to school for a Master’s Degree in Health Care Management, from Harvard University’s School of Public Health.

Dr. Capelli was proud to serve the community through his roles with the Kenosha Community Health Clinic, United Way, Spanish Center, Shalom Center, Mahone Foundation, along with many other philanthropic organizations.  Perhaps none was more satisfying than his role as the medical director of Aurora Hospice.

Dr. Capelli’s life was full of meaning and purpose.  He chose to complete his residency in Los Angeles to experience urgent medical care in an urban emergency room.  He continued to give back to the medical community, passing on to the next generation of doctors by mentoring countless medical students.  For decades, he would make rounds on his Harley motorcycle, on occasion wearing his favorite serape, bringing compassion and comfort to his vast patient base, a base that included everyone from community leaders to immigrants.

The greatest passions in his life were medicine, philanthropy, and family.  Some referred to him as their son; others were proud to call him brother, uncle, or simply “friend”.  More personally he was known as “Doc”, “Al”, “Juan”, “A.J”, or “Pappa Pelli”.  No matter the name, or the home he walked into, he left a lasting impression, and a legacy of compassion that touched so many people’s lives.

Dr. Capelli is survived by his wife, Julie; his children, Vincent (Breanne) Capelli, Cara (Eric) Walker, Peter Alfred John Capelli, and his beloved grandson Matthew Steven Capelli; his brother and sisters Dr. Paul A. Capelli (Mary, deceased), Pauline (G. Thomas) McTernan, and Carole (Raymond, M.D.) Knight; brother-in-law, Jeffrey (Debbie) Brummel; sister-in-law, Lori Waters, and his extended family from Guadalajara, Mexico, the Zaragoza family.  He will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, his aunt, patients, and countless friends.

The Capelli family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for the compassionate care provided by the Froedtert South – Kenosha Medical Center staff.

Service Date January 6, 2018

Funeral services honoring Dr. Capelli will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1300 73rd Street, Kenosha, WI. Dr. Capelli will be laid to rest privately with his immediate family at a later date.